Locking hinge device

ABSTRACT

Hinge device (10, 10&#39;) having a tubular member (12, 12&#39;) and an elongate member (14, 114&#39;). The elongate member (14, 14&#39;) is slideable in the tubular member (12, 12&#39;). The elongate member (14, 14&#39;) comprises a first portion (28, 28&#39;) and a second portion (16, 16&#39;). When the first portion (28, 28&#39;) is positioned inside the tubular member (12, 12&#39;) the elongate member (14, 14&#39;) is swivelable about its longitudinal axis (24, 24&#39;). When the second portion (16, 16&#39;) is positioned inside the tubular member (12, 12&#39;) the elongate member (14, 14&#39;) is not swivelable about its longitudinal axis (24, 24&#39;).

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a locking hinge device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a locking hinge device which allowsswivel or pivotal movement in a first arrangement and prevents suchmovement in a second arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provideda hinge device comprising a first channel member provided as part of themounting means arranged to be attached to a support and a second memberslidably arranged in the first channel member.

The second member has a substantially longitudinal axis which extendssubstantially axially therethrough. The second member comprises twofirst portions and a second portion. The second portion is disposedintermediate the two first portions and the first and second portionsare arranged substantially colinearly. The first channel member andsecond portion of the second member have transverse cross-sectionalshapes which are mating non-circular configuration and the two firstportions have cross-sectional dimensions which are less than thecross-sectional dimension of the second portion. The second member isswivelable about the substantially longitudinal axis when one of thefirst portions of the second member is located in the first channelmember such that the leaf member is pivotable by way of the lockinghinge device. The second member is not swivelable about thesubstantially longitudinal axis when at least a part of the secondportion of the second member is located in the first channel member suchthat the leaf member is not pivotal and is locked in position by thelocking hinge device. The leaf member is lockable in at least a firstposition and a second position. The first position is substantiallyvertical and the second position is substantially horizontal. The framefurther comprises side frame members extending from respective ends ofthe second member in an offset manner and arranged to delimit theslidable movement of the second member.

Preferably, the channel member is provided as a tubular member.

The locking hinge device of the present invention will hereinafter bedescribed with particular reference to its use with the leaf memberbeing a clothes line or a bait-board and providing a pivotal mechanismtherefor.

The bait-board is particularly intended for attachment to a boat.

However, the locking hinge device of the present invention is of generalapplicability and is not limited in its application to the specificembodiments described and illustrated herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of an embodiment of the locking hingedevice of the present invention incorporated into a clothes line, withthe hinge device arranged in a first position;

FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the hinge device shown in FIG. 1,with the hinge device arranged in a second position illustrating swivelmovement;

FIG. 3 is a third perspective view of the hinge device shown in FIG. 1,with the hinge device arranged in a third position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bracket to attach the hinge deviceshown in FIG. 1 to a support;

FIG. 5 is a first perspective view of an embodiment of the hinge deviceof the present invention attached to a bait-board, with the hinge devicearranged in a first position;

FIG. 6 is a second perspective view of the hinge device shown in FIG. 5,with the hinge device arranged in a second position illustrating swivelmovement;

FIG. 7 is a third perspective view of the hinge device shown in FIG. 5,with the hinge device arranged in a third position;

FIG. 8 is a fourth perspective view of the hinge device shown in FIG. 5,with the hinge device arranged in a fourth position illustrating swivelmovement;

FIG. 9 is a fifth perspective view of the hinge device shown in FIG. 5,with the hinge device arranged in a fifth position; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the hinge device shown in FIG. 5, butwithout the bait-board, and having means to prevent the elongate memberfrom sliding when the enlarged portion thereof is in the tubular member.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIGS. 1 to 3, there is shown a leaf member in the form of a clothesline 1 incorporating a locking hinge device 10 in accordance with thepresent invention.

The hinge device 10 comprises a first tubular member 12 and a secondelongate member 14. The elongate member 14 is provided with a portion 16of enlarged cross-sectional size. The tubular member 12 comprises sidewalls 18 connected by a lower wall 20 and an upper wall 22. The sidewalls 18 and the lower wall 20 form a channel. The elongate member 14has a longitudinal axis 24 (shown in FIG. 2). The portion 16 of theelongate member 14 is substantially square shaped in cross-section. Thetubular member 12 is also substantially square shaped in cross-section.The elongate member 14 is longitudinally slidable in the tubular member12, in the direction of the longitudinal axis 24. The portion 16 isdimensioned such that its side surfaces 26 are in sliding contact withthe inside surfaces of the side walls 18, lower wall 20 and upper wall22 when the portion 16 is contained in the tubular member 12.Accordingly, the elongate member 14 is not swivellable about itslongitudinal axis 24 when the portion 16 is inside the tubular member12.

The portion 16 is of substantially the same length as the tubular member12.

The elongate member 14 comprises portions 28, adjacent the ends of theportion 16, such that the portion 16 and the portions 28 aresubstantially colinear. The portions 28 have a cross-sectional size thatallows the elongate member 14 to be swivellable about its longitudinalaxis 24 when one of the portions 28 is inside the tubular member 12. Theportion 16 is substantially equally spaced from respective ends of theelongate member 14.

The elongate member 14 forms a frame member part of a frame 2 of theclothes line 1. The portions 28 of the elongate member 14 are formedintegrally with the remainder of the frame 2. The frame 2 is ofsubstantially oblong form. Two shorter side frame members 3 and 4 of theframe 2 extend from respective ends of the elongate member in an offsetmanner. The frame members 3 and 4 are provided with opposed aperturestherein. A line or cord 5 is threaded through the apertures in themembers 3 and 4 and extends back and forth between the members 3 and 4in conventional manner. Clothes and other items to be dried or aired maybe hung from the line 5 using pegs, in conventional manner. The frame 2of the clothes line 1 may be made from light weight tubular material,e.g. aluminium. One of the side walls 18 of the tubular member 12 has aplate 30 extending therefrom. The plate 30 is provided with aperturestherein.

The hinge device 10 (and thereby the clothes line 1) may be attached toa support using bolts 32 threaded through the apertures in the plate 30and embedded in the support. In FIGS. 1 to 3, the support is shown as abrick wall 50. FIG. 4 shows an alternative arrangement for affixing thehinge device 10 to a support.

In FIG. 4, there is shown a bracket 34 having apertures 36 therein. Thebracket 34 may be attached to a support (not shown) by threading bolts(not shown) through the apertures 36 and embedding them in the support.

The bracket 34 is of substantially plate form and is provided with apushed out portion 38. The pushed out portion 38 forms a slot with theremainder of the bracket 34 into which the plate 30 of the hinge device10 can fit to thereby hold and support the hinge device 10. This isshown in FIG. 4.

The manner of use and operation of the hinge device 10 incorporated inthe clothes line 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 will now be described.

In FIG. 1, the hinge device 10 is arranged with the portion 16positioned inside the tubular member 12. The frame 2 of the clothes line1 extends downwardly, and lies adjacent the brick wall 50. In thisposition, the surfaces 26 of the portion 16 are in sliding contact withthe inside surfaces of the side walls 18, lower wall 20 and upper wall22 of the tubular member 12 and the elongate member 14 is prevented fromswivelling about its longitudinal axis 24. The hinge device 10 is placedin this position when the clothes line 1 is not in use.

When it is required to use the clothes line 1, the elongate member 14 isslid longitudinally, in the direction of the longitudinal axis 24,inside the tubular member 12 until the portion 16 is positioned outsidethe tubular member 12 and one of the portions 28 is inside the tubularmember 12. This position is shown in FIG. 2.

In the position shown in FIG. 2, the elongate member 14 is swivellableabout its longitudinal axis 24 since the inside surfaces of the sidewalls 18, lower wall 20 and upper wall 22 do not interfere with theportions 28. The frame 2 of the clothes line 1 may be pivoted in anupward direction about the longitudinal axis 24 of the elongate member14. The frame 2 is pivoted upwardly through substantially 90° until theframe 2 of the clothes line 1 is substantially horizontal. The elongatemember 14 is then slid in the tubular member 12 such that the portion 16is contained therein. This is shown in FIG. 3. In this position, theelongate member 14 is prevented from swivelling about its longitudinalaxis 24.

When the clothes line 1 is in the position shown in FIG. 3, clothesand/or other items (not shown) may be hung from the line 5.

When the clothes line 1 is no longer in use, the elongate member 14 isagain slid in the tubular member 12 until the portion 16 is positionedoutside the tubular member 12 and one of the portions 28 is inside thetubular member 12. (This position is shown in FIG. 2).

The frame 2 is then pivoted downwardly through substantially 90° untilthe frame 2 of the clothes line 1 is substantially vertical. As can beseen from the drawings, the frame 2 could, alternatively, be pivotedupwardly through 90° to be vertical.

The elongate member 14 is then slid in the tubular member 12 such thatthe portion 16 is contained therein. This is shown in FIG. 1. Theelongate member 14 is thus prevented from swivelling about itslongitudinal axis 24. As can be seen from the drawings, the framemembers 3 and 4 are arranged to delimit the slidable movement of theelongate member 14 along the longitudinal axis 24.

The hinge device 10 may alternatively be held by the bracket 34 shown inFIG. 4 which is itself attached to a support, as hereinbefore described.The hinge device 10 may be removed from the bracket 34 and the clotheslines 1 stored away leaving only the bracket 34 attached to the support.The bracket 34 may be attached to any suitable support. For instance,the bracket 34 may be attached to a vehicle, e.g. a caravan or camper,such that the hinge device 10 of the clothes line 1 may be placed inposition in the bracket 34 when in use and removed for storage andtravel.

In FIGS. 5 to 9, there is shown a leaf member in the form of abait-board 100 attached to a locking hinge device 10' in accordance withthe present invention, whilst in FIG. 10, there is shown the hingedevice 10' without the bait-board 100 to show the structure of the armsattached to the hinge device 10'. FIG. 10 also shows means forpreventing sliding movement of the elongate member when the enlargedportion thereof is in the tubular member.

The hinge device 10' shown in FIGS. 5 to 10 is essentially of the sameform as the hinge device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Accordingly, the samereference numerals have been used to identify the same parts in FIGS. 5to 10 and FIGS. 1 to 3. A superscript is, however, used in FIGS. 5 to 10to clarify the particular drawings which are being described in thespecification.

The similarity of structure of the hinge devices 10 and 10' will beevident from the identical reference numerals and the description ofsuch structure will not be herein repeated. It is, however, to beunderstood that the description of the hinge device 10 applies to thehinge device 10', except as modified by the following description. Abait-board 100 is attached to the portions 28' of the elongate member14' via side frame members or arms 101. The arms 101 extend transverselyfrom the free end of each portion 28' in the same direction.

The arms 101 comprise a pair of narrow plate members 102 and 103 and aresubstantially "L" shaped in cross-section. The narrow plate members 103are provided with a series of apertures 104. This can be seen in FIG.10.

The bait-board 100 is attached to the arms 101 by way of any suitableattachment means 105, e.g. screws, rivets, etc. In this way, theelongate member 14' and the arms 101 form a frame of the bait-board 100,as can be seen in FIGS. 5-10. One of the side walls 18' of the tubularmember 12' has a plate 40' extending therefrom. Similarly, the lowerwall 20' has a plate 42' extending therefrom. Another plate 44' extendsfrom the end of the plate 42' in a downward manner in the same directionas the plate 40'.

The plates 40', 42' and 44' define a channel 46' (best seen in FIG. 10)which is arranged to fit over the gunwale 60 of a boat.

The plate 42' may be of adjustable width such that it may accommodategunwales of different widths. A clamp screw 48' is provided to tightenthe hinge device 10' to the gunwale 60.

The hinge device 10' is also provided with lock means to prevent theelongate member 14' from sliding along its longitudinal axis 24' (shownin FIG. 10) when the portion 16' is positioned in the tubular member12'. This lock means comprises a bore 70 extending through the portion16', a hole 72 in the upper wall 22' of the tubular member 12' and a pin74. The bore 70 and the hole 72 are provided such that they are alignedwhen the portion 16' is in the tubular member 12' and the bait-board 100is in a horizontal position, i.e. as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 9. The pin74 is provided with a knob 76 and is connected by a chain 78 to thetubular member 12' to which it is affixed by a stud 80. Alternatively,the bore 70 and hole 72 may be provided on alternative surfaces 26' andthe walls 18' of the portion 16' and tubular member 12', respectively.

When the portion 16' is in the tubular member 12' such that the bore 70and hole 72 are aligned, the pin 74 may be inserted thereinto. Thisprevents the elongate member 14' from sliding along its longitudinalaxis 24'.

A second bore (not shown) may also be provided extending between theother two surfaces 26' of the portion 16' which could be used to preventthe tubular member from sliding when the bait-board is in its non-useposition, i.e. as shown in FIG. 5.

The manner of use and operation of the hinge device 10' attached to thebait-board 100 is the same as hereinbefore described with reference tothe hinge device 10. FIGS. 5 to 9 show the hinge device 10', having abait-board 100 connected thereto, attached to the gunwale 60 of a boatvia the plates 40', 42' and 44' and the clamp screw 48'. The tubularmember 12' and the plate 40' are positioned on the inside of the boatwhilst the plate 44' is positioned on the outside of the boat.

FIG. 5 shows the bait-board 100 when not in use. The portion 16' ispositioned inside the tubular member 12' preventing the elongate member14' from being swivelled. FIG. 6 shows the portion 16' removed from thetubular member 12' allowing the elongate member 14' to be swivelledabout its longitudinal axis 24'.

The elongate member 14' may be swivelled upwardly through substantially90° and the portion 16' reinserted into the tubular member 12' as shownin FIG. 7. This prevents the elongate member 14' from being swivelled.In this position, the bait-board 100 provides a first working surfacefor a user.

The elongate member 14' may also be swivelled upwardly and thenoutwardly through substantially 270° , as shown in FIG. 8, and theportion 16' reinserted into the tubular member 12' as shown in FIG. 9.In this position, the bait-board 100 provides a second working surfacefor a user. The bait-board 100 may be returned to its non-use positionshown in FIG. 5 by removing the portion 16' from the tubular member 12'such that the bait-board 100 is pivoted back to the position shown inFIG. 5.

In the position shown in FIG. 7, the bait-board 100 provides a workingsurface extending over the inside of the boat.

In the position shown in FIG. 9, the bait-board 100 provides a workingsurface extending over the gunwale 60 of the boat on the outsidethereof. This position is particularly useful for scaling fish orperforming other operations which may produce debris. Any such debrisfalls into the water rather than into the boat.

The elongate member 14' may be prevented from sliding using the bore 70,hole 72 and pin 74 as hereinbefore described. As an alternative to theuse of the plates 40', 42' and 44' and the clamp screw 48' to attach thehinge device 10' to the gunwale 60 a bracket 34 of the type shown inFIG. 4 may be used. The bracket 34 is provided on the inside surface ofthe side of the boat, e.g. on the gunwale 60. In such a case, the plates40', 42' and 44' would be omitted and a plate 30 of the type used withthe hinge device 10 substituted therefor.

The lock means for preventing sliding movement of the elongate member14' when the portion 16' is in the tubular member 12' may also beprovided in the hinge device 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3. However, the lock meanshas been shown only in FIG. 10 as the other figures do not affordclarity of representation of this feature.

Whilst the hinge device of the present invention has been described withparticular reference to its use with a leaf member in the form of aclothes lines and a bait-board, it is understood that it is of generalapplicability to any uses for which it is suitable.

Further, whilst the tubular members 12 and 12' and the portions 16 and16' of the hinge device 10 and 10' have been described and illustratedas having a square cross-section, the present invention is not limitedto such a shape. Accordingly, any suitable cross-section may be usedwhich prevents the elongated member 14, 14' from swivelling when theportion 16, 16' is inside the tubular member 12, 12'. Modifications andvariations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemedwithin the scope of the present invention.

I claim:
 1. Locking hinge device comprising:mounting means arranged tobe attached to a support and including a first channel member; a frameof a leaf member which is pivotable and lockable by way of said lockinghinge device; said frame including a frame member comprising a secondmember slidably arranged in said first channel member, said secondmember having a substantially longitudinal axis which extendssubstantially axially therethrough; said second member comprising twofirst portions and a second portion, said second portion being disposedintermediate said two first portions and said first and second portionsbeing arranged substantially colinearly; said first channel member andsaid second portion of said second member having transversecross-sectional shapes which are of mating non-circular configurationand said two first portions having cross-sectional dimensions which areless than the cross-sectional dimension of said second portion forallowing said second member to swivel about said substantiallylongitudinal axis when one of said first portions of said second memberis located in said first channel member such that said leaf member ispivotable by way of said locking hinge device, and for preventing saidsecond member from swivelling about said substantially longitudinal axiswhen at least a part of said second portion of said second member islocated in said first channel member such that said leaf member is notpivotable and is locked in position by said locking hinge device, saidleaf member being lockable in at least a first position and a secondposition, said first position being substantially vertical and saidsecond position being substantially horizontal; said frame furthercomprising side frame members extending from respective ends of saidsecond member in an offset manner and arranged to delimit the slidablemovement of said second member.
 2. Locking hinge device according toclaim 1, wherein said first channel member and said first and secondportions of said second member have cross-sections which enable saidsecond portion to slide in said channel member but prevent said secondmember from swiveling about said longitudinal axis when a part of saidsecond portion is in said first channel member, and which enable saidsecond member to swivel about said longitudinal axis when one of saidfirst portions is in said channel member.
 3. Locking hinge deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein said channel member is provided with anupper wall to thereby define a tubular member.
 4. Locking hinge deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein said first channel member and said secondportion have square cross-sections.
 5. Locking hinge device according toclaim 1, comprising means cooperating with said first channel member andsaid second member for preventing said second member from sliding alongsaid longitudinal axis when said second portion is in said first channelmember.
 6. Locking hinge device according to claim 5, wherein said meanscomprises at least one bore provided in said second portion, at leastone hole provided in said first channel member, and pin means such thatwhen said second portion is in said first channel member and said boreand hole are aligned said pin means is insertable thereinto to preventsaid sliding of said second member.
 7. Locking hinge device according toclaim 1, wherein said mounting means comprises a plate which extendsfrom said first channel member such that said plate is attachable tosaid support.
 8. Locking hinge device according to claim 1, wherein saidmounting means comprises a bracket which is attachable to said supportand a plate extends from said first channel member and said plate isremovably receivable in a slot of said bracket.
 9. Locking hinge deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said mounting means comprises first,second and third plates, said first and second plates extending fromsaid first channel member and said third plate extending from saidsecond plate such that said first, second and third plates define achannel into which said support is receivable.
 10. Locking hinge deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said leaf member is lockable in a thirdposition, said third position being substantially horizontal and spacedsubstantially 270° from said first position.
 11. Locking hinge deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said leaf member is lockable in a thirdposition and a fourth position, said third position being substantiallyhorizontal and spaced substantially 270° from said first position, andsaid fourth position being substantially vertical aned spacedsubstantially 180° from said first position.
 12. Locking hinge deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said second position is substantiallyequally spaced from respective said ends of said second member. 13.Locking hinge device according to claim 1, wherein said leaf member is aclothes line.
 14. Locking hinge device according to claim 1, whereinsaid leaf member is a bait-board.